Well, with the removal of the "stay local" constraint on exercise, I tried the rods using existing reels on 2 local beaches. The difference is incredible, they really launch a lead and baits with so little effort, and am already achieving decent casts of way over 100 yards (the old target back in the 70s) with bait, from little more than semi-powerful lobs.
I know the species don't count for our boat comps, but so far have seen:
Bass (first fish on each rod)
Flounder
Whiting
Dogfish
5-bearded rockling
A total of 10 fish in two sessions, so taking a few boat skills shorewards does work.
George also had all of the above, and added smoothound and plaice to the list as well.
Hoping to visit Feisty again after 12th April, and maybe stay aboard if it's warm enough. Not long now...